Makhdoom Javed Hashmi

During the late 1960s, student unions were very active and working independently. These unions had a beneficial impact on Pakistani politics, producing many trained politicians, particularly from the middle and lower-middle classes where politics is never a family business. However, political parties gradually started patronising these unions and formed student wings that caused violence. The unions had acted as nurseries, and helped train students to play an active and positive role in mainstream politics.

I was elected president of the union at school and college levels. The losing candidates always accepted their defeat gracefully. There was tolerance and co-existence in student unions. There was training to accept the other candidate’s victory, something which is hardly seen now in mainstream politics as all losing candidates alleges rigging. The ban on unions not only stopped nurturing of good politicians but also deprived the middle class of the opportunity to enter politics. In 1970s, the involvement of political parties in student unions increased. This destroyed peaceful environment on campuses. The vacuum caused by the ban on unions has resulted in a serious loss for politics and the government should focus on restoring these nurseries. However, I believe there should be a strict code of conduct.

Dr Farooq Sattar

The absence of student unions in educational institutions has created a serious problem in polishing our politics and politicians. Politicians coming from student unions were mature and learned. The vacuum today has been caused by the absence of that tier of politics. It is high time we restored that tier and put in place a sound structure of student unions in both public and private educational institutions. If we do not take this step our political landscape will remain muddled and ‘hijacked’. There is a need to lift the ban gradually, and seeking an undertaking from all political parties not to manipulate and interfere with this tier. There should be a high level commission to monitor and make the functioning of this tier smooth. It is important for the quality of politics. If we focus on that we will be able to rid mainstream politics of a lot of filth.

Liaqat Baloch

The manner in which doctors and lawyers fought each other, and how lawyers brutally attacked the Punjab Institute of Cardiology in Lahore recently is reflective of the current situation of unions and associations of professionals like lawyers, teachers, clerks and doctors. This example has shone light on the lack of training in these unions and associations. The only place to train these professionals is when they are students in colleges and universities. No doubt, student unions at colleges and universities played a pivotal role in the growth of constructive politics and produced reasonable politicians. We lack that now because of the establishment, the feudal lords and the rich, who are deeply entrenched in power and politics in the country. Unions were always a ground for training emerging political leaders. However, manipulation by the state and political parties ruined this institution through undue interventions in pursuit of vested interests. There should be a strict code of conduct forcing political parties and the state to let student unions work independently. If we manage to do this we can also help change the tide of Pakistani politics and steer it towards a true democracy.

Our formidable youth

Afrasiab Khattak, former senator, political and human rights activist

There has been a lot of talk in recent times about the youth bulge in Pakistan. After all it is a demographic reality. But so far the Pakistani state and the society have not been able to chalk out effective plans for providing space to youth in social, economic, cultural and political life of the country. As all of us know, a large number of young people were brainwashed and used as cannon fodder in the religious militancy that has plagued Pakistan for many decades. Unfortunately, millions of young people still remain under the influence of religious extremism. But there is a growing disillusionment about the project that was choreographed and financed by the Western powers at the peak of the Cold War to fight communism. New youth movements are emerging to forcefully voice for real demands. The Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) is a prime example of the powerful political uprising of young people against war, oppression and disempowerment of the marginalised Pashtun population. Credit for breaking fear of the violent and scary tactics of authoritarian forces goes to the PTM.

Since students constitute the most formidable contingent of young people with greater potential for organising themselves, it is only natural that they are coming to the forefront for raising the issues created by the near collapse of the public education sector in Pakistan. The recent successful student march in various parts of the country reflects this trend.

Student unions, like all other democratic institutions, were banned and forbidden by General Zia’s martial law. Before that, student unions used to play a very constructive role by providing practical training to young students in tolerance, reasoning and civilised interaction. Many bright political leaders in Pakistan were the product of students unions. To set the record straight it’s important to point out that violence at university campuses started during the 1980s when student unions were banned by the despotic dictatorship of Zia-ul-Haq, and the use of Kalashnikov was introduced in politics. The revival of student unions will play a constructive role in overcoming violence on campuses.